Eurovision 2025 Explained: What It Is and Why Everyone’s Watching

You've probably heard friends buzzing about the Eurovision or seen colorful clips trending on social media. But what exactly is this glittery, over-the-top music competition that thrills millions every year?

In this guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about Eurovision 2025. I'll also share some essential Eurovision lingo, viewing party tips, and insider knowledge to enhance your experience!

What Is Eurovision?

Eurovision Song Contest is a massive international music competition that began as a way to unite European countries through television after World War II. Originally consisting of a single evening event in 1956, the contest has expanded dramatically as broadcasters from new countries joined, including some outside of Europe, like Israel and Australia.

Today, it's grown into a week-long, boundary-pushing spectacular watched by over 160 million people worldwide.

When Did Eurovision Start?

The first Eurovision took place on May 24, 1956, in Lugano, Switzerland, with just seven participating countries. It was one of the earliest attempts to broadcast a live televised event to a large international market. Each country submitted two songs in that inaugural contest, with Switzerland's Lys Assia winning with her French-language song "Refrain."

How Many Countries Join Eurovision?

Broadcasters from fifty-two countries have participated at some point in the contest's history, with winning songs coming from twenty-seven of those countries. The largest number of nations to take part was 43 in 2008, 2011, and 2018. For Eurovision 2025, broadcasters from thirty-seven countries will participate in the contest.

How Does Eurovision Voting Work?

Eurovision voting combines professional jury opinions with public televoting in a unique dual system. During the semi-finals, each participating country awards one set of points based primarily on public votes via telephone, SMS, or the official Eurovision app. In the finals, countries award two sets of points—one from viewers and another from a jury panel comprising five music professionals.

Since 2023, viewers in non-participating countries can also vote via an online platform, with those votes aggregated as one set of points from an "extra country." National juries and the public in each country cannot vote for their own country, a rule established to promote fairness.

Finally, the voting results are announced during a special segment with spokespersons from each country revealing their points in the iconic "12 points goes to..." format.

Eurovision 2025: What To Expect

Eurovision 2025 will take place in Basel, Switzerland, following the country's victory at the 2024 contest with the song "The Code" performed by Nemo. This marks the third time Switzerland has hosted the contest, having previously done so in 1956 and 1989.

The selected venue is St. Jakobshalle, a 12,400-seat arena that serves as a venue for indoor sports and concert events. The theme for Eurovision 2025 is "Welcome Home," celebrating the contest's return to Switzerland where it all began.

The competition consists of three live shows: the First Semi-Final on Tuesday, May 13, the Second Semi-Final on Thursday, May 15, and the Grand Final on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The three live shows will be presented by Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer, with Michelle Hunziker joining for the final.

How To Watch Eurovision 2025

You can watch Eurovision 2025 through several platforms depending on your location:

• In the UK: BBC One and BBC iPlayer will broadcast all three shows starting at 8pm local time.
• In the US: Peacock will exclusively stream all three shows live. US viewers can even vote for winners, with votes counted in the "Rest of the World" category.
• In many countries: The official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel will stream the shows live if available in your region.
• European national broadcasters: Many European countries offer free streaming through their national broadcasters, such as SVT Play (Sweden), France.tv (France), and ARD Mediathek (Germany).

Preparing For Eurovision 2025

If you're planning to attend Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, early preparation is key to making the most of this exciting experience. Here are essential tips to help you prepare for the ultimate Eurovision adventure.

Transportation

Basel is strategically located at the border of Switzerland, France, and Germany, making it accessible from multiple directions. The EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg serves as the main gateway for international visitors, while Zurich Airport (50 minutes by train) and Strasbourg, France (1 hour 20 minutes by train) offer excellent alternatives if direct flights to Basel are fully booked.

For train enthusiasts, Basel is well-connected through Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), TGV, and ICE trains from major European cities.

Accommodation

Hotels and apartments in Basel city center will fill up quickly for Eurovision week. Prices typically soar as the event approaches, so booking well in advance is strongly advised. Hotels near St. Jakobshalle (the venue) and in the city center are particularly popular with delegations, media teams, and fans.

For budget-conscious travelers, consider these options:

• Neighboring countries: Staying in nearby French towns like Saint-Louis or Huningue can be a more affordable alternative
• Hostel networks: You can check our popular sites like Safestay to see affordable accommodation across numerous European cities.

Public Transportation

Basel's public transport network will be significantly expanded during Eurovision week, including extended night services. Eurovision ticket holders will enjoy free travel within the local transport network. After shows, shuttle trains will operate from Basel St. Jakob station to Basel SBB main station, connecting to trains for Zurich, Bern, and cross-border destinations.

Must-Attend Events

Beyond the main shows, Eurovision offers a week-long festival atmosphere with various events:

• Eurovision Village.: Located inside the Messe & Congress Center Basel, it will feature live performances, multiple stages, food stalls, and bars. Open daily from noon to midnight with free admission
• EuroClub & Cafe: The official after-party venue located opposite Eurovision Village, featuring performances by DJs and former Eurovision contestants. Opens at 11pm every night
• Turquoise Carpet: Don't miss the grand opening ceremony on Sunday, May 11, where Basel is organizing the longest turquoise carpet in Eurovision history

Basic Eurovision Lingo

To fully enjoy Eurovision, learn these key terms:

• Douze points: French for "twelve points," the maximum points a country can award
• Nul points: When a country receives zero points (a dreaded outcome)
• Eurovision week: The week-long festivities leading up to the final
• The Big Five: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, who automatically qualify for the final due to being the biggest financial contributors
• Schlager: A style of catchy, melodic pop music often heard at Eurovision
• Turquoise Carpet: Eurovision's version of the red carpet where participants make their first official appearance
• EuroClub: The official after-party venue where fans and delegations celebrate each night

Ready To Watch The Finals?

As performers share their culture through song, you might find yourself curious about the languages behind the melodies. After the contest ends, keep that international spirit alive with platforms like Lingopie, where you can learn languages through authentic TV shows, movies, and music.

By transforming entertainment into education, you'll enhance your Eurovision experience for next year while connecting more deeply with the cultures that make this contest special. So grab your snacks, prepare your scorecards, and enjoy one of the world's most beloved musical traditions!

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is Eurovision 2025 taking place?

Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland at the St. Jakobshalle arena. The competition consists of three live shows: the First Semi-Final on Tuesday, May 13, the Second Semi-Final on Thursday, May 15, and the Grand Final on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

How can I watch Eurovision 2025?

In the UK, BBC One and BBC iPlayer will broadcast all shows starting at 8pm local time. US viewers can stream exclusively on Peacock, while many other countries can watch via their national broadcasters or the official Eurovision YouTube channel where available in their region.

How does Eurovision voting work?

Eurovision combines professional jury opinions with public televoting. In the final, each country awards two sets of points (one from viewers, one from a jury panel), while viewers in non-participating countries can also vote online. The winner is determined by adding all points together.

Can I still get tickets for Eurovision 2025?

Official ticket sales for Eurovision 2025 have sold out, but you can check the official resale platform TicketCorner fanSALE for tickets being resold at face value. Alternatively, consider attending public viewing events at Eurovision Village or other venues throughout Basel.